Committee Name: DISARM! Dismantle the War Economy

Workshop Title: A War Economy or an Economy for Peace?

Co-Sponsoring Orgs: Organizations we are inviting include UFPJ and associated organizations working on nuclear weapons abolition, War Resisters League and organizations associated with the new Stop War Profiteering Network, Boston Safety Net, and Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space and associated US organizations. We will also explore inviting AFSC and some others. The problem is that not all of the organizations with which we work most closely are planning on attending the USSF so we need to scout around for those that are and perhaps help bring others.

ABSTRACT: We originally planned this as eight hours of workshops spread over the three days, and focusing on visioning (2 hours), information (4 hours) and strategizing (2 hours). WILPF can only allot two hours for the DISARM workshop however, so this is a telescoped version.

Participants seated in a circle if space permits.

Visioning the World We Want: (1/2 hour for visioning) We will begin with a quick “go round” visioning the world we want (one minute limit per speaker). What we want can be put on flip charts, or, better, entered on a computer for projection. We will also have information for distribution like the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Earth Charter and the U.S. constitution (or relevant excerpts). (invite participants to take part in the ongoing WILPF Listening Project)

What stands in the way of the world we want? (1 hour for information) In this section a facilitator (or facilitators) will ask leading questions. We believe US addiction to war and the military stand in the way – and we point to war profiteering corporations as major drivers in the war economy. So questions will start with What do you know about the size of the military budget? How much is in the 2008 budget for education, housing, health, etc. Then Nuclear weapons and budget, Space program and budget, Bioweapons program and budget etc. Followed in each case by Who profits? And Who pays? Facilitator will take a couple of responses (recorded on flip charts or for computer project) followed by a short response from an “expert” guest or WILPFer and identification of information materials and organizations working on the issues. Use computer and projector and or overhead projector to put up a sample pages from Addicted to War , maps and charts from the Mil-Corp manual, and slides from MacGregor’s power point on space militarization for use during relevant brief presentations.

How do we create the world we want? (1/2 hour for sharing strategies) Facilitator will recognize participants alternately with prepared WILPFers and guests who will have 1 to 3 minutes for presenting strategies. New ideas are welcomed but should include working in networks with likeminded organizations, working on relevant legislation (have our own favorites available), research and exposure, non-violent action, support of UN treaty system, and campaigning for conversion plans from local governments, bases and local military corporations.

We will also be inviting participants to take part in our Listening project which will run throughout the session.

Speakers: We do not intend to have speakers as such, but are inviting Jackie Cabasso from UFPJ, Bruce Gagnon and Mary Beth Sullivan from Global Network , members of the WILPF DISARM team and other WILPFers who wish to participate in the sharing of information during the second part of the workshop. We would expect them all to participate along with everyone else in the sections on visioning and strategy. We will draw heavily on Reaching Critical Will for materials.